ABSTRACT: Pre-pubertal neutering (PPN), which occurs at or before four months of age, is endorsed by several feline charities and veterinary bodies in an effort to curtail feline overpopulation and reduce the number of unwanted cats in rescue centres.

The concept of PPN remains controversial among veterinary surgeons due to concerns over increased anaesthetic and surgical risks, as well as perceived long-term health and behavioural repercussions. Despite active promotion and support of PPN by feline welfare bodies, as well as scientific evidence that PPN has no significant health risks or disadvantages compared with traditional age neutering (TAN), many private practices still do not recommend or perform PPN.

Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) play a crucial role in client education and must maintain up-to-date, accurate knowledge, to provide appropriate advice on timing and effects of feline neutering, enabling them to gain informed consent from owners for neutering procedures.

Auhor

Lou Gower RVN

Lou is a senior RVN at a busy, multi-disciplinary referral hospital. In 2016, she became the lead RVN of the hospital’s newly opened Feline Hyperthyroid Centre. Her particular interests include critical care, feline-friendly nursing and endocrine disease. Lou is actively involved with a stray cat rescue charity and has three cats of her own.

Email: Lou@andersonmoores.com

Keywords: Clinical, Feline neutering 

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 32 (07) • July 2017 pp194-200

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